Floor-to-ceiling windows in the sunroom at the Best Friends Veterinary Center draw in daylight, minimizing the need for electric lights. Future upstairs offices at the small animal clinic in Wisconsin will also borrow light from the large windows. As the need for more energy-efficient business continues to grow in the United States, some veterinarians have begun to explore ways to save energy in their veterinary clinics.
CATS CONTRACT: avian influenza virus
The cases are fueling fears for pets and people
Domestic cats in Germany and Austria have contracted the H5N1 avian influenza virus, causing concern among pet owners in Europe and the United States.
According to the World Health Organization, domestic cats on the German island of Ruegen died of the disease—presumably after feeding on infected birds. A marten, a mammal in the same subfamily as weasels, also contracted the virus on the island.
Cats at an Austrian shelter in Graz might have contracted the H5N1 avian influenza virus, too, according to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. The shelter had previously detected the disease there in chickens.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that domestic cats in Asia have contracted the virus in the past. Large cats in captivity have become infected as well. In Thailand, tigers and leopards in zoos have died after consuming chicken carcasses. In Vietnam, captive civets died of the disease.
According to Dr. James Richards, director of the Cornell Feline Health Center, research has shown that domestic cats can become infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus after eating raw meat from infected birds. Research has also revealed that domestic cats can spread the disease directly to other cats.
“There is no evidence that influenza-infected cats can in turn infect humans,” according to Dr. Richards, who is also a past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners.
Dr. Richards' summary of avian influenza in cats is available online through the feline health center at www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC/. He writes in “Bird Flu: A Danger to Felines?” that most, and maybe all, of the humans who have become infected with H5N1 avian influenza have had close contact with infected birds.
Dr. Daniel Aja, immediate past president of the American Animal Hospital Association, said he has heard about European pet owners abandoning cats for fear of the disease. He said veterinarians in the United States need to step forward to educate clients on the topic.
“We have to be proactive, but we can't panic,” said Dr. Aja, who coowns Cherry Bend Animal Hospital in Traverse City, Mich. “The last thing we want to see is people getting rid of their pets needlessly.”
Dr. Aja said he's discussed H5N1 avian influenza with clients who have pet birds much more often than those who have pet cats. However, Drs. Aja and Richards offer some simple suggestions for reducing the already-low risk of feline infection.
“It's just another reason to make cats indoor cats,” Dr. Aja said. “It's also a good reason for us to be cooking anything we're feeding to our pets.”
Dr. Richards writes that feeding commercial cat food eliminates the risk of infection because temperatures during manufacturing exceed the 70 C necessary to destroy the H5N1 avian influenza virus. He adds that keeping cats indoors prevents exposure both to birds and outdoor cats that might be infected.
The AAHA summary of avian influenza in cats for pet owners, “Avian Influenza and Your Cat,” is available at www.healthypet.com.
The ECDC is also advising European pet owners to keep cats indoors and to follow general rules of hygiene when handling food, cat litter, or dead animals.
As of March 24, the WHO had reported 186 human cases of infection with H5N1 avian influenza virus—leading to 105 deaths. Dozens of countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa had detected the disease in wild birds or domestic poultry.
In addition to cats and martens, pigs and ferrets are also susceptible to infection. Information about the H5N1 avian influenza virus in cats and other animals is also available on the AVMA site at www.avma.org.
—KATIE BURNS
AVMA to host disaster summit this May
Many organizations were actively involved in saving and caring for animals hurt or displaced by hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma this past year. As a result, thousands of animals were helped. But not everything went well.
In an effort to coordinate the implementation of a comprehensive national disaster plan for animals, the AVMA is hosting the National Animal Disaster Summit for organizations that have been, or may become, involved in the response or recovery phase of a major disaster affecting animals. The summit will be held May 5-6 in Arlington, Va.
The objectives are to identify private organizations and governmental agencies that played a major role in the 2005 hurricane animal relief efforts, bring those organizations together to identify the lessons learned, and develop a relief plan for animals for use in future natural disasters, to overcome the obstacles identified and improve overall results.
Invited participants will include, among others, representatives from a number of organizations, such as the departments of Homeland Security and Agriculture, Federal Emergency Management Agency, various humane organizations active in the hurricane response, state law enforcement and emergency management agencies, and schools/colleges of veterinary medicine in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. One member from each of the four AVMA Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams will also be invited.
Following the summit, a summary report will be submitted to the AVMA Executive Board and for publication in the JAVMA.
BSE found in Alabama
Tests results for a cow on an Alabama farm were positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, according to a March 13 statement by the Department of Agriculture. The animal, which was euthanized and buried on the farm, did not enter the human food or animal feed supplies.
USDA Chief Veterinarian John Clifford said the department was working with Alabama animal health officials to conduct an epidemiologic investigation to gather any further information on the origin of the cow. The cow had resided on the Alabama farm for less than a year.
A western blot test conducted at the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, on samples from the cow confirmed the infection. The western blot test is one of two confirmatory tests that the USDA uses to determine whether an animal is infected with BSE. The other test is the immunohistochemistry test.
Officials said the cow was believed to be about 10 years old, indicating that it was born prior to the implementation of the Food and Drug Administration's 1997 animal feed ban. “Older animals are more likely to have been exposed to contaminated feed circulating before the FDA's 1997 ban on ruminant-to-ruminant feeding practices, which scientific research has indicated is the most likely route for BSE transmission,” Dr. Clifford said.
For more information on the Alabama BSE case, log on to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Web site, www.aphis.usda.gov.
Jury to militant animal rights group: GUILTY
SHAC-USA convicted of inciting violence, terror
A federal jury on March 2 convicted an animal extremist group and six of its members of inciting violence and terror against a New Jersey research company that uses animals to test drugs and consumer products.
The extremists, members of the Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty USA Inc., or SHAC-USA, are the first to be tried under the Animal Enterprise Protection Act. The 1992 statute was strengthened in 2002 to equate harassment and intimidation with acts of terrorism and carries a maximum sentence of up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
After three days of deliberation, a federal jury in Trenton, N.J., also found SHAC-USA and the defendants guilty of conspiracy, interstate stalking, and various other criminal charges. Huntingdon Life Sciences is an international research firm headquartered in the United Kingdom with an office in East Millstone, N.J. SHAC and its U.S. branch have been trying to force Huntingdon out of business for several years.
Convicted of conspiracy to commit animal enterprise terrorism and interstate stalking were Andrew Stepanian of Huntington, N.Y.; Joshua Harper of Seattle; and Kevin Kjonas, Lauren Gazzola, and Jacob Conroy, each of Pinole, Calif. Darius Fullmer of Hamilton, N.J., was found guilty only of the conspiracy charge.
“This is a trial victory of national importance, and this office and law enforcement stepped up to vindicate the rule of law and the rights of the victims of these crimes. It is a proud day for all of us,” announced U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie.
“The convictions defeat the argument that these so-called activists were acting within their rights of free speech under the Constitution. The verdict reveals these individuals for what they really were: thugs who went far beyond protected speech and lawful protest to engage in and incite intimidation, harassment, and violence.”
James C. Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, added, “This is a strong signal to those who would attempt to intimidate researchers and their families, friends, and business associates—their criminal actions are not protected by the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech.” The BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and state biotechnology centers around the world.
SHAC-USA called the convictions an attack on civil liberties as well as the animal rights movement. “While it is sad to see yet another blow to our civil liberties and another attack on the animal rights movement, we still have a battle ahead of us,” according to a statement on the SHAC-USA Web site. “The conviction is just another example of our eroding civil liberties in this country and a battle to be fought in the higher courts.”
The defendants will be appealing the convictions, the Web site added.
The case was the result of a six-year investigation by the FBI with assistance from the New Jersey State Police. According to the government, the defendants used the Internet to incite a nationwide terror campaign against individuals doing business with Huntingdon. Among the incidents described in the indictment are the following:
• Overturning the car of a Huntingdon employee in the driveway of his New Jersey home, vandalizing another car, and throwing rocks through windows of a person's home in 2001
• Detonating smoke bombs in the offices of two Seattle companies on July 10, 2002, causing the evacuation of two high-rise office buildings
• Destroying putting greens at a Long Island, N.Y., golf club where SHAC had announced that a director of a company that provided insurance services for Huntingdon was scheduled to be for a golf tournament in the summer of 2002
The SHAC-USA Web site encouraged and incited members and followers to direct their intimidation, harassment, and violence against Huntingdon and its targeted employees, as well as secondary targets—companies and employees who did business with Huntingdon—in an often successful attempt to get those companies to end their business relationships with the research company.
Victims testified that SHAC-USA and its organizers routinely posted personal information on their Web sites, including the names, addresses, and phone numbers of employees of Huntingdon, and other targeted companies and their employees.
Other information published on the Internet included names of employees' spouses, the names and ages of their children, and where the children attended school. In some instances, teachers' names, license plate numbers, and churches attended by employees and their families were published.
Victims of the SHAC-USA campaign, several of whom testified at trial, often endured vandalism, including rocks being thrown through home windows, cars being overturned, messages in red paint plastered on their homes and property, bullhorn protests in front of their homes, and harassment of neighbors.
Video recordings by SHAC-USA members at one protest outside a victim's Boston residence showed Gazzola yelling into a bullhorn: “Where were the police when an HLS worker's car got flipped over in his driveway? Where were the police when a Marsh executive had all his windows smashed in and his house covered in red paint in Chicago? …. And where were the police when your house was covered in red paint a few weeks ago? They can't protect you. Your (court) injunctions can't stop us. We will always find a way around whatever you throw at us.”
U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson ordered the detention of all defendants except Fullmer. Sentencing has been set for June 6.
—R. SCOTT NOLEN
Ohio State retires chimpanzees
The Ohio State University is closing its Primate Research Center and retiring the chimpanzees to an animal refuge in Texas.
The nine chimps housed at the center will be moved to a San Antonio refuge where they will live out the remainder of their lives. No research is allowed on animals kept at the refuge.
The decision, announced Feb. 21, is the culmination of a nearly four-year effort to find a new home for the animals.
Research institutions such as the National Institutes of Health and NASA have been reducing the amount of primate research they conduct and retiring many of their animals.
University officials noted that funding for primate research has been shrinking in recent years, and university-based primate colonies are becoming harder to support.
Along with overcrowding at the current facility, university officials cited safety concerns as another reason for retiring the chimps. The animals are five times stronger than humans and pose formidable challenges when agitated. Moreover, overpopulation at the facility can increase stress within the colony itself, leading to attacks by one animal on another.
During the past two decades, studies at the Primate Research Center have led to notable discoveries. For instance, one project recognized the chimps' ability to perform rudimentary addition and subtraction while another showed their capacity for altruism, a trait long thought to be only human.
Under an agreement with Primarily Primates Inc., the animals will be transported by truck to the Texas facility where a new permanent facility is being built for them. The Ohio State University is paying for construction of the facility, medical examinations and shipping, and an endowment to support the animals.
“While we are rightfully proud of the outstanding research that has evolved from Ohio State's primate cognition project in the last decade or so, we believe the time is now right to move the animals to safer quarters where they can live out their lives in peace,” said Robert McGrath, PhD, OSU senior vice president for research.
Petition prompts federal review of elephant welfare laws
A petition filed by an animal rights group accusing U.S. zoos and circuses of harming elephants by confining them to cramped and inadequate enclosures has prompted the government to look into possible revisions to animal welfare laws.
In the wild, elephants will travel several miles a day. In Defense of Animals alleges elephants kept by zoos and circuses are suffering for a lack of space to roam.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
In Defense of Animals filed a citizen's petition with the Department of Agriculture in early February claiming zoos and circuses were violating the federal Animal Welfare Act by holding elephants in unnatural pens, resulting in arthritis and chronic foot infections.
The petition seeks to compel the USDA to enforce the AWA provision requiring zoos and circuses to provide conditions consistent with elephants' health and well-being. It also asks the department to confiscate elephants suffering from “extreme cases of zoo-induced ailments.”
In a letter to the group, Dr. Chester A. Gipson, deputy administrator of the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, wrote: “We acknowledge that these are important issues and that many parties have an interest in them.”
The agency will publish the IDA petition in the Federal Register to garner public response. “APHIS will review all information in determining what, if any, regulatory actions address the best interest of the animals,” Dr. Gipson wrote.
The government decision came amid a growing debate about the ethics of keeping elephants in captivity. In February, the Bronx Zoo announced it was phasing out its elephant exhibit. It was the latest institution to join a small number of zoos that have made similar decisions about a highly intelligent and social animal known to walk several miles daily in the wild.
Chicago is currently debating an ordinance banning elephants within the city unless each animal's habitat is at least 10 acres.
The IDA was quick to claim victory over the USDA review. “In seeking public comment on our petition, the USDA is acknowledging the gravity of concern over the poor conditions for elephants in our nation's zoos,” said IDA president, Dr. Elliot Katz.
The American Zoo and Aquarium Association, which accredits some 210 institutions worldwide, called the petition an attempt to stir up controversy. “These extremists have targeted elephants as the first, but not the last, species they want to ban from zoos. In fact, they have plainly stated that their goal is to close all zoos,” the AZA stated in response to the IDA petition.
“While animal rights extremists have launched an orchestrated public campaign using distorted information to serve their own agenda, AZA elephant experts have continued to use science, research, and their years of direct animal care expertise to continually improve elephant care and conservation, both in zoos and in the wild,” said Kristin L. Vehrs, AZA interim executive director.
—R. SCOTT NOLEN
Improving energy use in veterinary clinics
Need for more energy-efficient businesses continues to grow
The recent launch of a government initiative to diversify energy sources in the United States and staggering gas prices point to the growing need for veterinarians to incorporate energy-saving practices into their clinics.
In early 2006, President Bush announced the Advanced Energy Initiative, which will work to break the United States' dependence on foreign sources of energy. A sound energy policy is vital to national security and protecting the environment, according to the initiative. The initiative provides for a 22 percent increase in funding for clean-energy research at the Department of Energy. One of the goals is to diversify how the country powers its businesses by performing more research on wind and solar energy.
High gas prices are another reason why there is a growing need to save energy. Over the past four years, prices for natural gas increased from nearly $3 per thousand cubic feet in early 2002 to more than $8 per thousand cubic feet recently, with a pronounced price spike after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, according to the initiative.
As part of an industry where approximately 32 percent of the U.S. professionals are practice owners, according to AVMA membership data, many veterinarians are in a unique position to incorporate energy-saving practices into their clinics.
Setting the energy-savings bar
When Dr. Nan Boss set out to build her small animal clinic, Best Friends Veterinary Center, she knew she wanted to use as many energy-saving designs and materials as she could within her budget.
“Our goal was to create a building that would be energy-efficient, environmentally sound, and both comfortable and healthy,” Dr. Boss said.
Located in Grafton, Wis., the clinic features several electric light-saving designs. “Thirty to forty cents of every dollar spent on energy in the average business goes to lighting,” she said. To make the most use of daylight, some rooms in the clinic feature floor-to-ceiling windows, and the dog kennel has glass block windows. Many rooms have dual lights, so half of them can be turned off when not needed. Also, high-quality, full-spectrum bulbs are used in most parts of the clinic.
Glass block windows in the dog kennel allow staff at the Best Friends Veterinary Center to keep electric lights off during the day, leading to electricity savings.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
The clinic's $100,000, state-of-the-art heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system is also energy-efficient. Dr. Boss was able to secure an energy conservation grant through a Wisconsin state program, which helped her offset the cost.
In addition to the lighting and HVAC system, Dr. Boss paid special attention to use of environment-friendly materials. The clinic's outdoor siding is made of cement board, a synthetic product, which came with a 50-year guarantee, meaning she won't soon have to spend money or use materials to repaint or replace it. The benches in the waiting rooms and examination rooms are made entirely of recycled products, and the sheet-vinyl floors throughout the clinic contain about 40 percent recycled vinyl.
One of Dr. Boss' ongoing projects is designing the landscape surrounding the clinic. By using natural land-scaping, such as prairie grasses and wildflowers, she hopes to cut down on water usage and mowing, which requires gas.
Tools for veterinarians
Despite the increased need to minimize energy use, some practice-owning veterinarians might not know how or what energy-efficient techniques to incorporate. “Most veterinarians who build hospitals are not familiar with the building industry or with the wide range of environmentally sound products that are out there nowadays,” Dr. Boss said.
The AVMA Committee on Environmental Issues has set out to educate veterinarians on how to save energy in their practices, with a special focus on Energy Star, a program the Environmental Protection Agency launched in 1992. “It is a … program that is strictly free and voluntary that aids businesses in developing environmentally friendly and energy-efficient practices in their businesses, while saving money in the long run,” said Dr. Amy Krauss, a CEI member who represents the American Animal Hospital Association. “Practitioners can become Energy Star partners and have available to them a range of technical services on how to do this. Most practice owners do not know it is available.”
In response, the CEI has hosted a block of sessions at several AVMA Annual Conventions on building eco-friendly practices (see JAVMA, Sept. 15, 2005, page 867).
Energy Star can benefit practice-owning veterinarians in several ways. The program works with manufacturers to help their products obtain higher energy efficiency and, once the product achieves that efficiency, the manufacturer can use the Energy Star logo on the product. The logo assures consumers they're buying a product that is more energy-efficient, said Jerry Lawson, national manager of Energy Star for Small Business.
“There's a very good chance that an Energy Star product will not cost any more than any other product,” Lawson added. He said if there is a price difference, Energy Star staff could help calculate the return on investment by figuring in the energy savings over a period of time.
Some examples of Energy Star-certified products are fax machines, computers, refrigerators, light fixtures, and heating and cooling systems. There are no medical products that are certified by the program, Lawson said.
In addition to labeling products, Energy Star provides free technical support and information to business owners and operators on energy efficiency through a toll-free hotline, (888) STAR-YES. For quick pointers on how to incorporate energy-efficient practices into a veterinary clinic, see “Simple energy-saving techniques” on page 1171.
Overhangs provide shade and reduce air-conditioning costs during the summer months at the Best Friends center.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Additionally, for veterinarians who are interested in energy-saving practices for new-building construction, Energy Star offers a design section on its Web site. To access the section, visit www.energystar.gov, click on Business Improvement, then Tools & Resources, and then New Building Design.
Energy Star also offers a communications kit and promotional items to help practice owners educate their staff and clients about their efforts in conserving the environment.
Dr. Boss has worked to promote her environment-friendly clinic to clients. One of the hallways in the clinic features a bulletin board with photographs and descriptions of the environmental design elements of the building. So far, she has received an encouraging response from her clients.
“I had a lot of people asking me what materials we used,” Dr. Boss said. “It's a nice marketing thing. It doesn't necessarily cost you that much more money, but it's a nice thing that tells the clients what you're all about.”
—ALLISON REZENDES
Simple energy-saving techniques
Jerry Lawson, national manager of Energy Star for Small Business, recommended several energy-saving practices that veterinarians could incorporate into their clinics.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps wherever appropriate.
• Install occupant sensors—or motion sensors—in low-traffic locations such as storage rooms and restrooms.
• Install light-emitting diode exit signs. One Energy Star-qualified sign alone can save about $10 annually on electricity costs and can last up to 10 years without a lamp replacement.
• Obtain a maintenance contract on the clinic's heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system. The contract might cost $100 a year, Lawson said, but there are numerous benefits to making sure the system runs efficiently.
• Install a programmable thermostat to automate the clinic's HVAC system. “If you close at 6 p.m. every day, you don't need to be running your heating or air conditioning until 6 p.m.; you can let it phase out automatically,” Lawson suggested.
call out: Purdue veterinary school offering graduate certificate program in homeland security
Veterinarians involved in emergency response can earn a graduate certificate from a distance-learning program in veterinary homeland security at Purdue University.
The Veterinary Homeland Security Graduate Certificate Program is designed to meet the needs of veterinarians who volunteer on state emergency response teams. Individuals with expertise in public health, animal science, or homeland security may also participate, with instructor approval.
The program is a cooperative effort among the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University Homeland Security Institute, Indiana Board of Animal Health, and Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
“By providing quality training for existing veterinary professionals that is accessible remotely, we hope to address the current shortage of veterinarians to serve our nation's needs in public health, regulatory medicine, and medicine for livestock,” said Dr. Sandra Amass, associate professor in veterinary clinical sciences.
Dr. Amass is pleased to announce that Dr. W. Ron DeHaven, administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, will be participating in the program as a lecturer.
Dr. DeHaven commented, “I am honored to be a part of Purdue's certificate program in homeland security. Veterinarians today have so much to think about in addition to the health and well-being of the animals. Emerging and zoonotic diseases are constantly in the headlines, terrorism is a threat, and veterinarians are on the front lines to protect both animal and human health. Programs such as this one help raise the awareness of everyone in the field.”
Participants will enhance understanding of natural and intentional threats to animal health, strengthen skills to prevent animal-health emergencies, and develop problem-solving expertise to become effective members of an animal emergency response team.
Elective courses such as crime scene management, geographic information systems, and radiologic and chemical events will allow the veterinarians to develop expertise in a specific area of veterinary homeland security.
Students can access course material on the National Biosecurity Resource Center Web site, or if they do not have high-speed Internet access, by CD-ROM.
Classes will begin in May 2006, and registration is now open. For information, log on to www.biosecuritycenter.org/article.php?vetHomelandProgram or call (765) 494-9793.
AAHA updates canine vaccine guidelines
The American Animal Hospital Association in March released a new edition of its vaccine guidelines for dogs.
The 2006 AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines include detailed recommendations on the use of available vaccines, which are classified as core, noncore, or not recommended. Revised sections of the document include those addressing serologic testing, vaccine adverse events, the vaccine licensing process, and the medical and legal implications of vaccine medicine.
The 28-page document contains a new section of guidelines that address vaccination of dogs entering or residing in animal shelter environments. Some of the core vaccination recommendations for shelter environments are slightly more aggressive than the guidelines presented for general veterinary practice.
Other new content covered in the document includes a section highlighting the science of vaccine development. The document also deals with vaccines granted a conditional license by the Department of Agriculture's Center for Veterinary Biologics. These include rattlesnake and periodontal disease vaccines.
The 2006 AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines are based on a combination of published and unpublished scientific studies, expert opinion, and personal experience. The guidelines include a number of new citations that enhance and enforce the science on which the guidelines are based. The guidelines are intended to educate and inform the profession and help veterinarians make vaccine recommendations for individual dogs or, in the case of a shelter, a population of dogs.
The guidelines are not intended to be an AAHA standard of care, however.
The AAHA released its first set of canine vaccination guidelines in 2003. The AAHA Canine Vaccine Task Force reconvened in 2005 to re-examine and revise the guidelines to reflect changes in areas of canine vaccines. Factors that contributed to the updating of the guidelines include the increase in documented duration-of-immunity studies, industry support of extended revaccination intervals, and developing areas of shelter medicine.
“To stay abreast of the changing landscape of vaccinations, it's important for companion animal practitioners to review the updated guidelines,” said AAHA immediate past president, Dr. Daniel Aja. “We have gained new knowledge over the past three years, especially in the field of duration-of-immunity studies and shelter medicine. These important updates are well-referenced and are reflected in the 2006 edition of our guidelines.”
The 2006 AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines are available in their entirety on the AAHA Web site, www.aahanet.org. The executive summary of the guidelines is published in the March/April 2006 issues of Trends magazine and the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.
CDC devotes a day to veterinary students
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently gave about 250 veterinary students a glimpse of career opportunities in public health—and a taste of the CDC's mission.
Dr. Nina Marano, associate director for veterinary public health in the Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, opened the first-ever Day at CDC for Veterinary Students by providing an overview of veterinary public health at the CDC.
The Day at CDC for Veterinary Students attracted attendees from across the country to learn about careers in public health.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Dr. Henry E. Childers, AVMA president, and Dr. Andrew Maccabe, associate executive director of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, talked to the students about the Veterinary Workforce Expansion Act. The bill would create a competitive grants program for expanding existing veterinary colleges to train more veterinarians in food safety, food security, emerging infectious diseases, new zoonoses, and agro- and bioterrorism.
Dr. Lonnie King, former director of the CDC Office of Strategy and Innovation, discussed “The Worldwide Spread of Zoonotic Agents.” He quoted the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies in referring to the increase in zoonoses as a “microbial perfect storm,” with the convergence of the increase in animal domestication and the increase in immunocompromised humans.
Dr. Jennifer Wright spoke about careers in public health. Science-in-action topics included responding to Hurricane Katrina, by Dr. Marta Guerra; outbreaks of brucellosis, by Dr. Diane Gross; Nipah virus in Bangladesh, by Joel Montgomery, PhD; tracing an outbreak of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus to hamsters, by Brian Amman, PhD; outbreaks of Escherichia coli at fairs, by Dr. John Dunn; and characterization of the virus that caused the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic, by Terrence Tumpey, PhD. Exhibitors also presented information about disease control and prevention programs at the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration.
The day concluded with case studies, a career Q&A, and a tabletop exercise on a mock disease outbreak from foods at the previous evening's reception.
Event sponsors included the AVMA, AAVMC, American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, CDC Foundation, National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, American Association of Public Health Veterinarians, Merial, and Pfizer.
Insurance planning vital to veterinarians' financial future
HSAs, life and disability insurance can play key roles in planning
Many veterinarians take for granted that being insured is part of being responsible. Health, life, disability, and professional overhead expense insurance all have their place as protection plans. But insurance, when used wisely, can do more than protect against catastrophe. Insurance can also play a vital role in a veterinarian's overall personal and professional financial planning.
Kevin Payne, a Kansas insurance agent and a Life Underwriters Training Council Fellow, has worked with the AVMA Group Health & Life Insurance Trust for more than five years. One of the first products he often discusses with his clients is the Health Savings Account. The HSA combines a high-deductible medical plan, which can lower a veterinarian's premium, and serves as a vehicle to defer income into an account, making funds available for a possible catastrophic event. Contributions to the account can be deducted from gross earnings for federal tax purposes, and interest on an HSA balance accumulates tax free, which can save the veterinarian even more money.
Funds in an HSA may be used for all qualified medical expenses, including medication, dentistry, and eye examinations. Unused funds can be rolled over from year to year. In effect, the HSA provides a tax-sheltered financial tool to save for future medical expenses. If the veterinarian does not use the funds, they may accumulate tax deferred well into retirement.
“Often, if you are coming from an old, traditional indemnity plan, the reduction in your premiums saves you enough to fund your HSA,” Payne said. “If you remain healthy and continue to fund your HSA through the years, it is possible that in the future, the interest on the account could help take care of your medical expenses or fund the purchase of a long-term care policy.”
Life insurance is typically the second topic Payne addresses when he meets with clients.
From a personal perspective, life insurance provides a married veterinarian with no children the opportunity to make sure their surviving spouse is not burdened with undue financial pressures. For veterinarians with children, life insurance can allow the surviving spouse to raise and educate their children while maintaining the family's standard of living. In this situation, Payne believes many veterinarians are underinsured. He recommends a life insurance policy in the amount of eight to 12 times more than the veterinarian's current income to secure the family's standard of living. He also said that, while many veterinarians assume the surviving spouse can sell the practice, it is important to remember that without the veterinarian, the practice is not as valuable. He said it could also take months for the surviving spouse to sell the practice. Meanwhile, life insurance proceeds can immediately provide for the family.
Life insurance can also be a critical element of a buy-sell practice agreement. Payne described the common scenario of a veterinarian preparing to sell the practice to a younger veterinarian. Often, the owner will hold a loan that the purchasing veterinarian pays off over time. The original owner will want to protect their interests by insuring the purchasing veterinarian, who will want to hold life insurance coverage on the owner. Should the original owner die before the sale is complete, the proceeds of the coverage would allow the purchasing veterinarian to complete the transaction. By completing the purchase, the veterinarian often buys out a surviving spouse who would have retained ownership of the practice but most likely would not have contributed to its operations.
Disability insurance is another plan of protection with personal and professional implications. During a veterinarian's working years, the statistical odds of suffering a disability are higher than the odds of dying. Payne pointed out one compelling reason why a graduating veterinarian should not hold off on purchasing disability insurance.
“You have one shot, at graduation, to get disability insurance with no underwriting,” Payne said, meaning that pre-existing conditions will not preclude the graduate from obtaining this vital protection. At the same time, the graduate can obtain the future purchase option, an important benefit that allows veterinarians to increase coverage as their income increases, without underwriting, so long as they work full time and are not disabled.
Veterinarians who have not reviewed their insurance recently should talk with their agent. Insurance offerings have changed, and odds are the veterinarian's circumstances have changed, too.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Another feature of the AVMA GHILT plans is the potential lifetime of benefits. Outside of the Trust, the typical disability plan would stop paying benefits when the insured reaches age 65. With the AVMA GHLIT plan, if the covered disability occurs prior to age 50, benefits could be paid for the rest of the insured's life.
The personal benefits of disability insurance are obvious. Lost income can be replaced by disability benefits to help veterinarians maintain their standard of living. Professional over-head expense insurance is another form of insurance that comes into play during a disability. POE insurance helps cover the expenses a practice incurs while the veterinarian is unable to work as a result of a covered disability. If the veterinarian's disability is severe enough to end their career, POE insurance provides the safety net that could help the disabled veterinarian sell the practice or their share without undue financial pressure.
Payne advised veterinarians to discuss insurance when the practice agreements are being written.
“You can write certain ‘triggers’ into a buy-sell (practice) agreement,” Payne said. “For example, if one veterinarian dies, the proceeds from life insurance held by the partners are designated for buying out the interests of the surviving spouse.
“An agreement might stipulate that, in case of a disabling illness or accident, a veterinarian will draw disability and the practice would draw the POE insurance benefits. Then, at a predetermined date, the partners would buy out the veterinarian who was unable to return to work.”
“Nobody wants to be the bad guy,” Payne added. “No one wants to tell a disabled partner they can't keep paying them. But having an agreement in place ahead of time establishes a framework for having these difficult discussions.”
AVMA GHLIT agents will work with attorneys preparing corporation documents to help structure benefits that protect the practice and its individuals. Payne advised veterinarians who have not reviewed their insurance recently to talk with their agent.
“We have more choices—better choices—today,” Payne said. “Our offerings have changed, and odds are the veterinarian's circumstances have changed, too.”
“The Trust is becoming more and more proactive to members' needs,” Payne said. If a veterinarian has not looked at their plan for a few years, there's a chance they are paying too much, he added.
The GHLIT insurance program is underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company (New York, NY 10010). For more information on the GHLIT plans—including exclusions, limitations, rates, eligibility, and renewal provisions—or to find a GHLIT agent, call the Trust office at (800) 621-6360.
—PREPARED BY THE AVMA GROUP HEALTH & LIFE INSURANCE TRUST
Western conference launches new programs
WVC-Radio, WVC-TV Network featured at Las Vegas event
While at the Western Veterinary Conference, attendees learned more about WVC-Encore, a new program that offers conference presentations on DVD.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Several new initiatives debuted during the 78th annual Western Veterinary Conference, Feb. 19-23, 2006, at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Center in Las Vegas.
More than 14,000 attendees were at the event, including 6,860 veterinarians, 2,703 exhibitors, 1,664 technicians, and 133 veterinary students. The scientific program offered more than 900 hours of lectures, themed symposia, and hands-on laboratories. Session categories included small and large animal medicine, shelter medicine, and practice management.
During the conference, the WVC launched a partnership with the Veterinary Information Network, a continuing education-focused online community. The two organizations offered a learning program that combined online and on-site educational training. Participants in the limited-enrollment program took an interactive preparatory class online before the conference, using downloadable reference materials. While at the conference, participants attended a hands-on laboratory and an online wrap-up session that provided question-and-answer opportunities.
Also new at the 2006 conference were the WVC-Radio and WVC-TV Network. Using WVC-Radio, attendees could tune into popular conference sessions from anywhere in the Mandalay Bay Hotel. The WVC-TV Network broadcast conference sessions, interviews, and special events in guest rooms at select hotels.
With the debut of WVC-Encore, conference presentations are now available on DVD. For more information, visit the WVC Web site at www.wvcencore.org.
Also at the conference, Pfizer Animal Health introduced “Frank,” a new veterinarian-client communication campaign, during a press gathering, Feb. 20. “Frank” will focus on providing companion animal veterinarians with practical information on why enhanced veterinarian-client communication can be helpful. Participants will be provided with clear, easy-to-learn techniques presented by two of the national leaders in communication at a series of workshops scheduled for late 2006. Coming up in February 2007, the WVC anticipates the opening of the Oquendo Center for Clinical Education, which will serve as the first permanent, high-throughput Clinical Proficiency Examination site. Located adjacent to the WVC headquarters in Las Vegas, the center will also increase the number of interactive laboratories at the WVC annual conference.
The Meritorious Service Award was presented to Drs. Arthur A. Bickford, Turlock, Calif.; James E. Creed, Columbia, Mo.; Clarence J. Bierschwal, Columbia, Mo.; Myron D. Brown, Stanley, Kan.; and Gerald D. Schrater, Hutchinson, Kan. The award is presented to past or present members of the WVC board of directors for exceptional service over time, unselfish dedication to veterinary education, advancement of veterinary knowledge, and substantial contributions to the conference and U.S. and international veterinary medicine.
The WVC Student Scholarship program awarded a $2,500 scholarship to each U.S. and Canadian veterinary school and college, plus a $1,000 stipend for all recipients to attend the conference.
Recipients for the new 2006 WVC Food Animal Incentive award were Drs. Matthew Breed, Gainesville, Fla.; Mary Bronwyn Crane, Corvallis, Ore.; Stacey Byers, Pullman, Wash.; Lisa Willis, Elgin, Texas; Miranda Townsend, Fort Collins, Colo.; and Peggy Rushton, Knoxville, Tenn. The annual award is presented to veterinarians engaged in a university or private practice internship in food animal medicine, surgery, production medicine, theriogenology, or epidemiology. The award is for the recipient to attend the WVC.
Also during the conference, Dr. Guy Pidgeon was named assistant executive director of the WVC. Dr. Pidgeon has served as chief executive officer of the Animal Medical Center in New York City since 1997.
The 2006-2007 board of directors includes Drs. William D. Fortney, Manhattan, Kan., president; James W. Furman, Alliance, Neb., president-elect; Walter R. Threlfall, Powell, Ohio, immediate past president; Ann Johnson, Urbana, Ill., vice president; and Randall G. Ezell, Las Vegas, secretary-treasurer. Along with Dr. Ann Johnson, newly elected board members are Drs. Edward C. Feldman, Davis, Calif., Phil A. Blair, Phoenix, Ariz., and Dean Knoll, of Waukesha, Wis., who was the first veterinary technician elected to the board.
—ALLISON REZENDES
college news
Hillary Clinton visits Cornell veterinary college
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton talks to faculty at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, including Dean Donald F. Smith, during her recent visit.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., met with faculty of Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine in March to discuss avian influenza and cancer research.
Clinton has visited the university several times, but this was her first stop at the veterinary college.
“I've been trying to get here for a couple of years,” she said. “I have a very high regard for the work you do here.”
Edward Dubovi, PhD, director of the virology section of the veterinary college's diagnostic laboratory, summarized Cornell's research, education, and outreach work toward preventing an outbreak of avian influenza. Gary Whittaker, PhD, associate professor of microbiology and immunology as well as Cornell's primary researcher on avian influenza, discussed efforts to create vaccines and antiviral medications.
In a second meeting, Clinton heard via videoconference about how researchers at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute are collaborating with Cornell scientists to study cancer and cancer treatments. The researchers are making discoveries about cancer in humans while investigating naturally occurring cancers in animals such as woodchucks, chickens, and cats.
“Our pets live in our environments,” said Dr. Rodney Page, chair of clinical sciences at the veterinary college and director of Cornell's Sprecher Institute for Comparative Cancer Research. “This whole concept that environment influences cancer doesn't apply only to ourselves.”
Clinton thanked the researchers at a later press conference.
“Vet colleges are moving into the lead in cancer research,” she said. “There's a lot that we can learn.
“I am incredibly impressed with the work that is occurring … with the potential for breakthroughs in public health.
“A land-grant university like Cornell is essential to our quality of life. Cornell is one of our world leaders. The work being done here is essential.”
new diplomates
American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Sixty-five veterinarians successfully completed the board certification examination of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, given Feb. 2-3 in San Diego. They are as follows:
Dr. Aric R. Adams, Monticello, Fla.
Dr. Christine M. Adreani, Ashland, Va.
Dr. Alexander Z. Aguila, Houston
Dr. Rochelle B. Anderson, Alexandria, Va.
Dr. Roy F. Barnes, Urbana, Ill.
Dr. Sandra M. Bauer, Menlo Park, Calif.
Dr. Mark W. Bohling, Knoxville, Tenn.
Dr. Courtney J. Bolam, Oconomowoc, Wis.
Dr. Lillian Brady-Rizzo, Phoenix
Dr. Kristyn D. Broaddus, Stillwater, Okla.
Dr. Keith E. Brown, Lexington, Ky.
Dr. Blaine A. Burkert, Lake Clarke Shores, Fla.
Dr. Kim Carey, New York
Dr. James L. Carmalt, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Dr. Fernando A. Castro, Davis, Calif.
Dr. John C. Chandler, Meridian, Idaho
Dr. Karen L. Cherrone, Floral Park, N.Y.
Dr. James B. Clark, Cary, N.C.
Dr. Keith Curcio, Holt, Mich.
Dr. Tamara M. Da Costa Gomez, Downers Grove, Ill.
Dr. Curt M. Daly, Springfield, Ore.
Dr. Michael G. Dearmin, Santa Cruz, Calif.
Dr. Meredith Esterline, San Antonio
Dr. Cynthia A. Eward, Williston, Vt.
Dr. Ellis Farstvedt, Palo Cedro, Calif.
Dr. Jennifer L. Fick, Gainesville, Fla.
Dr. Howard R. Fischer, Huntington Beach, Calif.
Dr. David Francis, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Dr. Ryan Fulcher, Freehold, N.J.
Dr. David S. Galloway, APO, AP
Dr. Thomas W. G. Gibson, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Dr. Wanda J. Gordon-Evans, Ames, Iowa
Dr. Stephanie C. Gorman, Phoenix
Dr. Robert B. Hancock, Covington, La.
Dr. Marc E. Havig, New York
Dr. Bianca F. Hettlich, College Station, Texas
Dr. Susanna G. H. Schwartz, Cincinnati
Dr. Geoffrey Hutchinson, Tucson, Ariz.
Dr. Aaron M. Jackson, Lake in the Hills, Ill.
Dr. Priti S. Karnik, Greenlawn, N.Y.
Dr. Matthew M. Keats, Towson, Md.
Dr. Gal Kelmer, Columbia, Mo.
Dr. Shawn C. Kennedy, Powell, Ohio
Dr. David H. Kergosien, Mandeville, La.
Dr. Keith M. Latson, Sierra Madre, Calif.
Dr. Garrett M. Levin, Playa Del Rey, Calif.
Dr. David R. Mason, Las Vegas
Dr. Kara L. Mattern, Gainesville, Fla.
Dr. Kevin P. McAbee, Denver
Dr. Amelia S. Munsterman, Columbus, Ohio
Dr. Michael A. Nawrocki, Wichita, Kan.
Dr. Christian S. Osmond, Solana Beach, Calif.
Dr. Heidi Phillips, New Kensington, Pa.
Dr. Antonio Pozzi, Columbus, Ohio
Dr. Julie L. Robb, Columbia, Mo.
Dr. Stephen R. Royals, Cordova, Tenn.
Dr. Brenda J. Salinardi, Manhattan, Kan.
Dr. Brad C. Scheuch, Oceanside, Calif.
Dr. Chad W. Schmiedt, Madison, Wis.
Dr. Kent D. Stauffer, Indianapolis
Dr. Heather K. Streppa, San Diego
Dr. Sandra C. Valdez-Almada, Bonsall, Calif.
Dr. Mauro Verna, Capital Federal, Argentina
Dr. Joseph T. Vida, Davis, Calif.
Dr. Tina M. Wolfe, Cincinnati
assemblies
Delaware VMA
Dr. John Gooss
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Dr. H. Wesley Towers Jr.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Dr. Michelle Egli
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Event: Annual meeting, Dec. 14, 2005, Dover
Awards:Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. John Gooss, Georgetown. A 1990 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Gooss co-owns Georgetown Animal Hospital. He has served on the Delaware Board of Veterinary Medicine for the past six years, working on the licensing of veterinary technicians. Under his leadership, the board undertook a survey of the stakeholders to address the legislative issues and workforce needs for veterinary technicians. Recognition plaque: Dr. H. Wesley Towers Jr., Harrington, for his more than 35 years of service at the Delaware Department of Agriculture. A 1968 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Towers served as state veterinarian from 1969-2005. During his career, he also worked as track veterinarian at Harrington, Georgetown, and Dover Downs raceways. He is a past president of the United States Animal Health Association.
Officials: Drs. Michelle Egli, Dover, president; Jeffrey Bowersox, Wilmington, president-elect; Kim Chappell, Millsboro, vice president; Kimberly Gaines, Dover, secretary-treasurer; and E. Mitchell Arion, Goldsboro, Md., immediate past president
Texas VMA
Dr. S. Kent Glenn
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Dr. Tricia Latimer
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Dr. J. Alfred Moore
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Dr. Robert Radasch
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Dr. Gene White
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Dr. Robert S. Wilson
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Dr. Daniel Posey
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Dr. Deborah Kochevar
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Dr. Guy Sheppard
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 8; 10.2460/javma.228.8.1163
Event: Annual meeting, Feb. 3-5, College Station. Attendees included 336 veterinarians and 54 veterinary students.
Awards: Distinguished Career Achievement Practitioner of the Year: Dr. S. Kent Glenn, Graham. A 1976 graduate of Colorado State University, Dr. Glenn practices at Aledo Veterinary Clinic. During his more than 30-year career, he has been involved in youth educational and leadership activities, and is dedicated to teaching students the technologies and skills involved in animal care reproduction. Dr. Glenn assisted with displaced pets after the recent hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. Recent Graduate Practitioner of the Year: Dr. Tricia Latimer, Mansfield. A 2002 graduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. Latimer practices at Walnut Creek Animal Clinic. She is recognized for the bond she forms with animals and their owners, the mentoring abilities she has displayed toward younger associates, and her effective communication skills as a professional. Dr. Latimer has changed protocols for pain management and parasite control at the clinic. Companion Animal Practitioner of the Year: Dr. J. Alfred Moore, Humble. A 1967 graduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. Moore established Eastex Veterinary Clinic in 1970. He practices small animal medicine with an emphasis on clinical diagnostics and therapeutics, and has an interest in continuing education. Medical Specialty Practitioner of the Year: Dr. Robert Radasch, Dallas. A 1984 graduate of the University of Illinois, Dr. Radasch is a partner and chief executive officer at the Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center. He conducts educational seminars and laboratories for veterinarians at the local, state, national, and international level. Equine Practitioner of the Year: Dr. Gene White, Roanoke. A 1966 graduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. White has owned an equine practice since 1966 and is involved with initiatives that include the TVMA Equine Practice Committee. General Practitioner of the Year: Dr. Robert Steve Wilson, Tyler. A 1971 graduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. Wilson owns Glenwood Animal Hospital. He also serves as the head veterinarian for the veterinary services section of the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, and has consulted with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. President's Award: Drs. Daniel Posey and Deborah Kochevar of College Station. A 1982 graduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. Posey is clinical assistant professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at TAMU. He was recognized for his contributions to the large animal continuing education programs offered by the TVMA. A 1981 graduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. Kochevar is associate dean for professional programs at the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine. She was recognized for her contributions and advancement of student involvement with the TVMA and its membership.
Business: The board of directors discussed several topics, including the National Animal Identification System; new continuing education regulations and requirements; and Texas veterinarians, Drs. Charles Anderson and Jimmy D. Aycock running for the Texas House of Representatives. TVMA committees met to discuss initiatives such as the TVMA liaison with the AVMA, stressing cooperation between both associations; and disaster preparedness being conducted by the TVMA and the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation.
Officials: Dr. Guy Sheppard, San Angelo, president; Dr. Mark Cox, El Paso, president-elect; Elbert C. Hutchins, EdD, Austin, secretary; Dr. Ronald O. Stried, Austin, treasurer; and Dr. Roland Lenarduzzi, Manvel, immediate past president
Former AVMA convention manager dies at 83
Russell G. Rongren held a variety of administrative positions during his 35 years on the AVMA staff, but he is most remembered as the Association's longtime convention manager. Rongren died Feb. 18 at the age of 83.
Rongren joined the AVMA staff in 1952 as director of public relations activities. At one time he was director of membership services. In 1959, he was named convention manager and director of the Business Division. Respected in his field, Rongren served terms as president of the Professional Convention Management Association and the Conference of Medical Society Executives of Greater Chicago. He chaired what is now known as the Convention Industry Council.
In 1971 the AVMA presented Rongren with a special award in appreciation of his efforts on behalf of commercial exhibitors.
During World War II, he saw active duty with the Marine Corps for more than three years, serving about half of that time in the Southwest Pacific theater of operations with the First Marine Air Wing. He received an honorary discharge as a technical sergeant with four combat stars.
In 1949 he received his BS degree in commerce from DePaul University and took a position with the National Safety Council in Chicago before coming to the AVMA.
When Rongren retired from the AVMA staff in 1986, he and his wife, Virginia, retired to Englewood, Fla., where they pursued longtime interests in boating and golfing. He had been active in the U.S. Power Squadron, where he held an advanced pilot rating.
He is survived by his wife and daughters Barbara Rongren and Sally Vanvick. Memorials may be made to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, Department 20-1122, P.O. Box 5940, Carol Stream, IL 60197-5940, or to a favorite charity.
AVMA Honor Roll Member, AVMA Member, AVMA Nonmember
Damon R. Averill Jr.
Dr. Averill (COR '67), 62, Mattapoisett, Mass., died Feb. 12, 2006. Prior to retirement in 2002, he was a veterinary pathologist with Antec Corporation in Long Island, N.Y. Before that, Dr. Averill served as an instructor and conducted research at Cornell University, Harvard University, University of Michigan, and University of Connecticut. Early in his career, he worked as a veterinary neurologist at The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston.
Dr. Averill was a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. His brother, Dr. Eric Averill (COR '70), is a veterinarian in East Bridgewater, Mass.
Howard E. Booher
Dr. Booher (OSU '43), 87, Naples, Fla., died Feb. 25, 2006. Prior to retirement in 1976, he owned Vandalia Animal Clinic in Vandalia, Ohio. Dr. Booher is survived by his wife, Jeanne; a daughter; and two sons. Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association, 28441 Bonita Crossings Blvd., Bonita Springs, FL 34135; or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 13907 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 101, Tampa, FL 33618.
David E. Catlin
Dr. Catlin (COL '86), 50, Bozeman, Mont., died Dec. 31, 2005. He owned Equine Veterinary Associates in Belgrade, Mont. Following graduation, Dr. Catlin practiced at Littleton Large Animal Clinic in Denver. He then worked as an ambulatory clinician at Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Dr. Catlin moved to Bozeman in 1993. He was also serving as an editorial adviser to DVM Newsmagazine, a position he held for more than a decade. The Gallatin Valley Agriculture Committee and Bozeman Area and Belgrade chambers of commerce will be posthumously awarding the Service to Agriculture Award to Dr. Catlin in 2006.
His wife, Laura; two sons; and a daughter survive him. Dr. Catlin's father, Dr. Jack Catlin (GA '54), who died in 1996, was in mixed practice in Bozeman and also worked at the Michigan State University Veterinary Research Laboratory. Memorials may be made to the David Catlin Memorial Fund, c/o St. James Church, 5 W. Oline, Bozeman, MT 59715.
Linda M. Cesnauskas
Dr. Cesnauskas (ILL '85), 46, La Grange Park, Ill., died Dec. 8, 2005. She practiced small animal medicine in the Chicago area for 20 years, also serving as medical director of VCA Worth Animal Hospital in Palos Hills, Ill. Dr. Cesnauskas was a member of the Chicago VMA. Her daughter survives her. Memorials may be made to The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, 2250 E. Devon Ave., Suite 244, Des Plaines, IL 60018; or St. Barbara's School, 8900 Windemere Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513.
William R. Dobbs
Dr. Dobbs (AUB '42), 86, Albemarle, N.C., died Aug. 18, 2005. Prior to retirement, he practiced in Albemarle. Dr. Dobbs was a past president and life member of the North Carolina VMA. He served in the Army. Dr. Dobbs' two sons and a daughter survive him. Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 172 N. Second St., Albemarle, NC 28001.
Donald W. Doiron
Dr. Doiron (TEX '69), 59, Lafayette, La., died Jan. 22, 2006. He was a partner at Doiron-Plauche Veterinary Hospital in Lafayette. Dr. Doiron served as president of the Louisiana VMA, Acadiana Area VA, and American Heartworm Society. In 2005, he was named Veterinarian of the Year by the LVMA. Dr. Doiron is survived by his wife, Marie; two daughters; and a son.
Memorials may be made to the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, Class of '69 Scholarship Fund, The Texas Veterinary Medical Center, College Station, TX 77843; or Dr. Walter J. Ernst Jr. Memorial Foundation, 8550 United Plaza Blvd., Suite 1001, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.
Ernest S. Hernady
Dr. Hernady (BOL '40), 87, St. Louis, died Jan. 12, 2006. Prior to retirement in 1994, he owned Lemay Animal Hospital in St. Louis and three satellite clinics in the area. Earlier in his career, Dr. Hernady served as chief of surgery at The Humane Society of St. Louis. He was a member of the Missouri VMA and a past president of the Greater St. Louis VMA. Dr. Hernady is survived by his wife, Patricia; a daughter; and two stepdaughters. Memorials may be made to Long Meadow Rescue Ranch, 1201 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110.
Norbert A. Lasher
Dr. Lasher (COR '39), 90, Hobe Sound, Fla., died Aug. 27, 2005. He served in the Air Force from 1939-1969, attaining the rank of colonel. Dr. Lasher's wife, Mary Jane; a daughter; and three sons survive him. Memorials may be made to Martin and St. Lucie Hospice, 1201 S.E. Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997.
Leslie R. Libby
Dr. Libby (WSU '35), 93, Live Oak, Calif., died Sept. 4, 2005. Prior to retirement in 1985, he served as a relief veterinarian in the Yuba City area of California. Following graduation, Dr. Libby was in mixed practice in Sebastopol, Calif. He then moved to Colusa, Calif., where he owned a small animal practice. Dr. Libby later worked for the California Department of Agriculture.
A veteran of World War II, he served in the Army, attaining the rank of captain. Dr. Libby's son and daughter survive him. Memorials may be made to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 725 Second St., Yuba City, CA 95991.
Ralph E. Loomis
Dr. Loomis (COR '40), 88, Warsaw, N.Y., died Dec. 30, 2005. Prior to retirement in 1970, he co-owned a large animal practice, focusing on dairy cattle, with his wife, Dr. Grace K. Loomis (COR '42), in Warsaw. Dr. Loomis was a member of the New York State VMS and Northern New York VMA. His wife; three sons; and a daughter survive him. Memorials may be made to the Wyoming County SPCA, 808 Creek Road, Route 98, P.O. Box 151, Attica, NY 14011.
Sidney L. Mellman
Dr. Mellman (UP '49), 81, Ardmore, Pa., died Oct. 31, 2005. Prior to retirement in 1994, he practiced in Broomall, Pa., for more than 40 years. An Army veteran of World War II, Dr. Mellman was awarded the Purple Heart. His wife, Elizabeth, and two sons survive him. Memorials may be made to Tzedakah-Hurricane Katrina, c/o Temple Sholom of Broomall, 55 Church Lane, Broomall, PA 19008.
Russel W. Pinfold
Dr. Pinfold (OSU '41), 91, Topsham, Maine, died Aug. 21, 2005. From 1949 until retirement in 1981, he was in mixed practice in Brunswick, Maine. Prior to that, Dr. Pinfold worked for the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Early in his career, he practiced on Maui, Hawaii. Dr. Pinfold served on the Brunswick Parks and Recreation Commission for 22 years. His wife, Jean; a daughter; and two sons survive him.
Sharman K. Van Zandt-von Fleckles
Dr. Van Zandt-von Fleckles (CAL '84), 47, Claremont, Calif., died Jan. 23, 2006. She practiced at Citrus Veterinary Clinic in La Verne, Calif., for 21 years. During her career, Dr. Van Zandt-von Fleckles also served at the Inland Valley Humane Society and was affiliated with the Inland Valley Emergency Pet Clinic and East Valley Emergency Clinic.
Her husband, David, and two children survive her. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Sharman Scholarship Fund, c/o Citrus Clinic, 2317 E. Foothill Blvd., La Verne, CA 91750; or the Van Zandt and von Fleckles Fund, c/o Western Christian School, 3105 Padua Ave., Claremont, CA 91711.
Brazos J. Varisco
Dr. Varisco (TEX '64), 64, Bryan, Texas, died Oct. 8, 2005. He owned Varisco Veterinary Clinic in Bryan for 38 years. Dr. Varisco also owned a cattle ranch. He was a member of the Texas VMA and the American and Texas Quarter Horse associations. A veteran of the Army, Dr. Varisco attained the rank of captain. His wife, Marsha; two sons; and two daughters survive him.
Memorials may be made to the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Attn: Dr. W.K. Alfred Young, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Box 339, Houston, TX 77030; or Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, Attn: Noell Vance, Dean's Office, College of Veterinary Medicine, TAMU, College Station, TX 77843.
Leonard W. West Jr.
Dr. West (MO '69), 61, Springfield, Mo., died Jan. 3, 2006. He worked for the Department of Agriculture since 1988. Following graduation, Dr. West served in the Air Force for two years. He then practiced in St. Louis. From 1974-1988, Dr. West owned Parkcrest Veterinary Hospital in Springfield. His wife, Margery, and two sons survive him. Memorials may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.
Robert L. Westlake
Dr. Westlake (MIN '56), 73, Detroit Lakes, Minn., died Dec. 24, 2005. He co-owned Detroit Lakes Animal Hospital since 1965. Focusing on turkey diseases, Dr. Westlake also operated the Detroit Lakes Animal Hospital Diagnostic Laboratory. Earlier in his career, he practiced in Battle Lake, Minn.
Dr. Westlake consulted for the National Fur Foods Company and the Canadian Fur Breeders Association, and was named to the Mink Research Committee for the United States in 1993. In 2000, he received the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association's Ranelius Award, recognizing his dedication and service. Dr. Westlake was a veteran of the Air Force.
His wife, Joan; two daughters; and a son survive him.
Mark D. Williams
Dr. Williams (KSU '69), 60, Omaha, Neb., died Feb. 15, 2006. He owned Housecall Veterinary Service in Omaha. Dr. Williams was a member of the Nebraska VMA. His wife, Jonie; two daughters; and a son survive him. Memorials may be made to Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, KS 66506; Westside Community Schools, 909 S. 76th St., Omaha, NE 68114; or Hospice House, 7415 Cedar St., Omaha, NE 68124.
Thomas A. Winner Jr.
Dr. Winner (CAL '70), 61, Novato, Calif., died Sept. 23, 2005. He owned Animal Clinic of Novato. Earlier in his career, Dr. Winner practiced in Lafayette, Calif. He was a member of the Marin County VA. A past president of the Novato Rotary Club, Dr. Winner was named Novato Citizen of the Year by the Novato Chamber of Commerce in 1990. His wife, Reggie, and three sons survive him. Memorials may be made to the Novato Rotary Endowment, c/o Hurst, 2 Alyssum Court, Novato, CA 94945.
